Work has started on £645,000 gas pipe investment scheme in the Martock area of Somerset.

The scheme is there to ensure that local homes and businesses will continue to receive a reliable gas supply for years to come.

The work will involve upgrading 4.3km of old metal pipes to new plastic ones on the Pitway Hill and adjacent roads. It will take approximately 22 weeks to complete.

Ahead of the scheme Wales and West Utilities has worked closely with Somerset County Council to plan work and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place to keep disruption to the local community and road users to a minimum.

fire from a gas burner

Wales and West Utilities Programme Controller, Barry Sale, said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“We’re very aware of the effect that our work can have on communities and commuters and want to ensure everyone that we are working closely with Somerset County Council to get this essential work done as quickly as possible, while causing the least inconvenience to local people.

"Our Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk .

"Alternatively, you can contact us on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities."

This summer Wales & West Utilities want your views on the future of your gas network and the services they provide. Go to PipeUpOnline.co.uk to let them know what you think today and be in with a chance to win a £100 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card.

Have you got a local story you want share? Email: tommy.joyce@reachplc.com, ring: 01935709741, or tweet: @TommyJJourno

Want more news?

To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter .